Carrot Walnut Banana Bread

 I can’t believe tomorrow is the last day of January, honestly, where did this month go? I’ve always been nervous to start a new year, mostly because my goal was always to “recover” from my eating disorder. This is the first year, I didn’t set that goal, which is a huge accomplishment for me. Instead, I chose a word to set the tone for my year, TRUST.  My intention is to continue to trust myself, trust the process, and trust that things will always work out. I’ve felt the most freedom, I’ve ever felt, and things feel promising. Did you set any goals, or what word did you choose to define your year?

With that being said, I can’t believe I went so many years without eating banana bread! Tragic, I know, but I’m glad I’ve changed my controlling habits and discovered my love affair with both baking and eating banana bread. It’s quite therapeutic, and it makes the whole house smell amazing. This bread is bursting with flavor, packed with nutrients, and bonus, there’s a hidden veggie inside! My favorite way to eat a slice is topped with peanut butter, granola, and extra chopped walnuts. Also, a cup of coffee on the side never hurts.

Carrot Walnut Banana Bread:

Ingredients: 

Dry:

1 1/2 cups spelt flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1 Tbs. ground chia seeds

Wet:

2 medium mashed bananas

1/3 cup maple syrup or honey

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/2 cup non-dairy milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 and grease a loaf pan with coconut oil. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground chia seeds. In a separate bowl combine mashed bananas, maple syrup, coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Combine both wet and dry ingredients together. Toss in shredded carrots, and chopped walnuts. Pour mixture into the loaf pan, and bake for 40-45 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.

*tip: make sure maple syrup and almond milk are at room temperature before combing with coconut oil.